The Footage Detectives

I love found footage, investigations and mysteries, so this seemed the perfect program to watch. Unfortunately, it's terrible. First, the hosts act like they had taken valium; very little beforehand research is done on the clips they show: they leave it to the viewer, which entails inane, tedious follow-ups with captions like :"I used to go on holiday there in 1932. Jim from Catford". There is nothing investigative about this: whilst the clips are occasionally marginally interesting, the result is just one step above from the internet groups devoted to the "good old times". I guess the target audience is the old and a tad reactionnary who thinks that the world of their teenage years was just perfect, and nothing ever since compares to that.

This series shows how Talking Pictures TV finds and restores old films, TV shows, etc. This is important and interesting work but for me it is spoilt by Mike Read and his inane, rambling, repetitive and occasionally illinformed comments - I find myself watching it with the sound turned down! New presenter/interviewer or a script that he diligently sticks to please! TPTV is an absolute gem of a channel for film and social history buffs.

I suppose when you think about it, there's no other program on TV like this. Very enjoyable nostalgia, some of the clips are facinating and most of the show gets you thinking about your childhood wether it be TV programs, comics or music. It's always interesting to see the reels of Britain from (say) the 40's or 50's.

The banter between Mike and Niel is nice to see. I can't agree with an earlier review about Mike Read, I think he comes across as professional and sometimes is like a naughty schoolboy. Let's face it, Niel is terrible at reading the que card, but this is the man who started TPTV and is so knowledgeable about the filmmaking process that he is still an asset.

Long may this program continue.

What a splendid programme showing an eclectic mix of old TV programmes, film clips and wonderful footage of Britain as it was before successive governments began to ruin it. I disagree with another reviewer who finds Mike Read irritating and find the unscripted banter between Mike and Noel an enjoyable part of the programme. They are obviously genuinely interested in the old footage. I like the fact they ask viewers to help with confirming locations and identifying vehicles, aeroplanes and people etc., that appear in the old clips. Altogether a fascinating series and long may it continue.

Currently one of the best programmes on TV, not that there's a lot of competition of course with all the rubbish around. It is very addictive waiting to see if any unknown location can be identified by the viewer, I did once and emailed TPTV with the info, I might get a mention in a future episode. Not to be missed by curious people who can also learn something from each episode. If a TV programme or film can be judged by how long it seems to last, for bad ones time drags by very slowly and for good ones it flies by, then this is the best TV programme ever as the hour goes past in what seems like just five minutes. I spend more time watching programmes on TPTV than I do every other channel added together but this might be age and nostalgia related.